N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:18-51 et seq. § 2A:18-81
Compliance with act constitutes complete defense
Operative Text
12. Compliance in good faith with all the requirements of this act shall constitute a complete defense in any action brought by a tenant against a landlord for loss or damage to personal property disposed of pursuant to this act. L.1999,c.340,s.12.
Under N.J.S.A. 2A:18-51 et seq. § 2A:18-81, a landlord who has followed all of the act's requirements in good faith has a complete legal defense if a tenant later sues over personal property that was disposed of under the act's procedures. This provision effectively shields compliant landlords from liability in such suits, provided every step of the statutory process was genuinely observed. The defense is only available when the landlord's compliance was both full and in good faith.
Plain English — not legal advice.
N.J.S.A. 2A:18-51 et seq. § 2A:18-81 provides that landlords who follow every requirement of the act in good faith can assert a complete defense against tenant lawsuits over disposed personal property. Compliant operators typically document each step of the disposal process—notices given, waiting periods observed, and methods used—so that good-faith compliance can be demonstrated if a dispute arises. Maintaining thorough records of adherence to the act's procedures is the foundation of this statutory protection.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under N.J.S.A. 2A:18-51 et seq. § 2A:18-81, a landlord who fully and in good faith complied with the act's requirements has a complete defense to a tenant's claim for loss or damage to personal property disposed of under the act. If a tenant believes the landlord did not follow all of the act's steps—or did not act in good faith—that gap in compliance may be relevant to any legal action over the disposed property. Tenants who believe proper procedures were not followed may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand what options may be available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 6, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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